Great question! Sitting in the sun for about 20 minutes is unlikely to trigger a true relapse, but it can temporarily worsen MS symptoms for some people. This is known as heat sensitivity, which affects between 60% and 80% of people with MS.
The good news is that any symptom flare-up caused by heat is temporary and does Show Full Answer
Great question! Sitting in the sun for about 20 minutes is unlikely to trigger a true relapse, but it can temporarily worsen MS symptoms for some people. This is known as heat sensitivity, which affects between 60% and 80% of people with MS.
The good news is that any symptom flare-up caused by heat is temporary and does not increase actual disease activity. Once you cool down, symptoms typically ease up. Some symptoms to watch out for while in the sun include:
- Fatigue
- Blurry vision
- Loss of balance
- Concentration or memory issues
To stay safe, here are a few tips:
- Stay well hydrated before and after sun exposure
- Have a cooling plan ready, like a cool cloth for your neck or head
- Avoid peak heat hours and opt for cooler times of day
- Take breaks and don't overdo it
Everyone with MS is different, so it's worth checking in with your neurologist about what's right for you personally.
June 30
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